If you’ve ever visited a Buc-ee’s, you get it.
Sure, it’s a convenient pit stop for travelers, but for its many devotees, it’s a destination unto itself. Where else can you fill up on one of over 100 gas pumps, grab an insanely good pulled-pork sandwich and leave with a satisfied smile on your face?
As one fan explained on Facebook, “Buc-ee’s is the kind of place you go for gas and leave with a gallon bucket of fudge, an armful of beef jerky and a yard flamingo. Buc-ee’s is the only place where you can fill your tank with gas — and fill your soul with beaver nuggets.”
“Walking into Buc-ee’s is like stepping into a gas station, a theme park and a shopping mall all at once,” another enthusiast posted. “From the cleanest bathrooms to the best brisket sandwiches, it’s a road tripper’s paradise!”
Anticipation is at a fever pitch here on the Coast as the state’s first Buc-ee’s prepares to open on June 9. Signs featuring the brand’s iconic red-and-yellow beaver logo are now up at the new store, located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Menge Avenue in Harrison County.
“Harrison County is a vibrant community with five thriving cities and stunning beaches,” says Stan Beard, director of real estate and development. “It’s perfectly situated along I-10 between our Texas and Alabama stores, and we can’t wait to be the best place to stop on the Mississippi Coast.”
To say that locals are stoked is an understatement, so, what’s behind this Buc-ee’s mania? Let’s delve into why people are obsessed.
SPOTLESS, SPACIOUS RESTROOMS:
If you know, you know. Buc-ee’s takes great pride in keeping the bathrooms sparkling clean, which is a godsend to weary travelers. Not only are they spotless, but the stalls are gloriously roomy. Plus, there are plenty of them, so there’s rarely a wait.
SNACKS, SNACKS AND MORE SNACKS:
Forget your standard gas-station fare; Buc-ee’s is just as convenient as any other place you can fill up, but its food selection is next level. Think fresh-made barbecue sandwiches, protein packs, wraps, salads, pastries, fudge and even tacos and burritos. And the array of Buc-ee’s-brand snacks, everything from cookies, beaver nuggets and cinnamon-glazed cashews to chips, candy and an entire wall of beef jerky, must be seen to be believed.
MOST MOUTHWATERING BUC-EE’S SNACKS
As we await the opening of our very own Buc-ee’s here on the Coast, we asked our audience to name their favorite Buc-ee’s snacks. Here are some of the most popular picks:
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“Brisket sandwiches, beef jerky and the hot pecans” – Kiara Sara Marie Elion
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“Homemade chips, brisket sandwiches, fudge” – Amanda Breckenridge
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“Texas cheesesteak burritos, fudge, cinnamon roll, cake pops, jerky, sliced-brisket sandwich, beaver nuggets” – Brandi Gilliland
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“That sugar-cookie ice cream sandwich and the edible cookie dough” – Alicia Rodriguez-Murray
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“Recently, the different flavors of pork rinds — so good! But I love the dried veggies, beef jerky and the everything cashews!” – Liz Huckins
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“Philly burrito, chocolate-covered beaver nuggets, homemade chips and sliced-brisket sandwich.” – Christy Chrisman
IT’S MASSIVE:
As the saying goes, everything is bigger in the Lone Star state — and Texas-born Buc-ee’s is no exception. These convenience stores on steroids are indescribably enormous; the Harrison County store will be 74,000 square feet and have 120 fuel pumps; how’s that for huge?
HARRISON COUNTY BUC-EE’S BY THE NUMBERS:
- Size: 74,000 square feet
- Fueling positions: 120
- Jobs available: 200
- EV charging stations: 24
MERCH MADNESS:
Do you need a baby onesie, beach chair or measuring spoons branded with the Buc-ee’s logo? Of course you do, and you would be hard–pressed to name an item you couldn’t find with Buc-ee the beaver’s face on it. From fun seasonal T-shirts and coolers to home décor and slip-on shoes, Buc-ee’s has everything — and we mean everything.
And finally, there’s no overestimating the nostalgia factor. Buc-ee’s taps into an Americana vibe that gives us the warm fuzzies — eliciting fond memories of road trips of yore. You can fill up fast, eat like a king and grab beach toys for the kids (featuring Buc-ee, of course) all in the same place; what’s not to love?